Mean Tease

No matter how well-intentioned it may be, teasing is perilous behavior, a series of studies involving more than 700 people makes clear. Psychologist Justin Kruger, of New York University, and his colleagues found that targets of teasing rarely perceive it as innocent or playful, even if the teaser believes it to be. This reaction was especially common when the taunting pertained to appearance. The researchers advise anyone being teased to "remember that teasers likely have more noble intentions than it might appear"—and to keep in mind before mocking anyone else that saying "just kidding" may not prevent hurt feelings.